Periodontology: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Periodontology

Sample item

What is the key difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Periodontitis includes loss of periodontal attachment and supporting bone

Gingivitis is inflammation confined largely to gingival tissues and is potentially reversible, whereas periodontitis involves destruction of connective-tissue attachment and alveolar bone that can lead to tooth mobility and loss.

Option by option

  • A. Gingivitis always causes tooth loss within a day

    Gingivitis does not usually cause immediate tooth loss.

  • B. Periodontitis affects enamel only

    Periodontitis involves supporting tissues, not enamel alone.

  • C. Periodontitis includes loss of periodontal attachment and supporting bone (correct)

    Correct: attachment and bone loss distinguish periodontitis from gingivitis.

  • D. Gingivitis is a viral infection by definition

    Plaque-related gingivitis is not defined as a viral infection.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is C, Periodontitis includes loss of periodontal attachment and supporting bone. Gingivitis is inflammation confined largely to gingival tissues and is potentially reversible, whereas periodontitis involves destruction of connective-tissue attachment and alveolar bone that can lead to tooth mobility and loss.

Why is "Gingivitis always causes tooth loss within a day" not the answer?

Gingivitis does not usually cause immediate tooth loss.

Why is "Periodontitis affects enamel only" not the answer?

Periodontitis involves supporting tissues, not enamel alone.

Why is "Gingivitis is a viral infection by definition" not the answer?

Plaque-related gingivitis is not defined as a viral infection.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Periodontology in Dentistry. The correct option holds because: Correct: attachment and bone loss distinguish periodontitis from gingivitis.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Periodontology?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.